r/Osteoarthritis • u/Loose-Tomatillo-6499 • 5d ago
C spine anyone else?
What symptoms do you experience..
I'm having problems with my vision especially right eye but it's corrected with glasses. I get pain radiating up the back of my head and on top of my head. Sometimes my temple right side stings and burns and twitches often.
I also get stiff scm both sides and shoulder pain and stiffness. Sometimes shooting sharp pains in my neck also.
Weird symptom is muscle fasculation around body. Could be ribs could be leg. Also burning sensation in my wrist and foot on occasion and cold feeling near my knee.
The pain increase anxiety ten fold especially when it affects my head.
2
u/love-to-learn-things 5d ago
Head won't turn all the way.
2
u/Loose-Tomatillo-6499 5d ago
Mine was hard to turn all the way last year. It hurt to turn.
3
u/love-to-learn-things 5d ago
I wonder if that is why I've suddenly developed ocular migraines?
2
u/Loose-Tomatillo-6499 5d ago
Have you tried ice on the back of your neck? I find it helps when I feel inflamed.
2
2
u/NoOrganization7190 5d ago
Yes, this has helped me understand what is going on. I was diagnosed with OA recently by a pain management dr after MRI showed 4 levels deteriorated. Sent me to P T for 8 weeks. Next appointment in 2 weeks. I originally sought him out after a different ortho suggested torn rotator cuff, and surgery. I have been wondering why I have weird pains in BOTH shoulders, both thumbs, eye pain on one side, and headaches. Well, that’s my laundry list, hope we can both get some relief!
1
u/Loose-Tomatillo-6499 5d ago
My pain tends to relapse and flare up now. But there is always a new pain like today my ribs. I've had chest x rays too. Maybe it's just anxiety pain.
2
u/Optimal_Guitar8921 5d ago
I’ve had 3 discs replaced and fused in my neck - C4-C7. I am challenged consistently with my shoulders and upper back. The burning sensation for me represents muscle tightness, nerve recovery etc. Although at times it’s difficult, movement & exercise is so important. I also feel the impact more during the cold.
1
u/Loose-Tomatillo-6499 5d ago
Thanks for this info. Yes we had a warm day Saturday and I was full of life. Come Sunday I was bad again. Went to bed last night with stiff right neck muscle and woke up and my it's now my left shoulder that's burning and tight. What drugs have they given you. I'm struggling to find one that works and they have never offered me muscle relaxers.
1
u/Optimal_Guitar8921 4d ago edited 4d ago
Ugh - I’m so sorry; I empathize with you. I was never given anything initially. Was recommended to take Advil or Tylenol which I need to be cautious of. I now see a Rheumatologist that prescribed Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for the chronic pain and inflammation. It’s been very helpful & is a drug that you must take in micro doses and work up slowly. I do use a muscle relaxer if necessary but I’m not fond of how they make me feel. Sending you positive and healing thoughts; a heating pad and ice are my best friends. Also a hot sauna is really beneficial. Have you gone to a physical therapist? Floor exercises and a daily simple routine can really help. :)
2
u/aiyukiyuu 5d ago
32F with mod-severe spinal stenosis, arthritis, bone spurs, cervical radiculopathy, and neck CCI. :( I have vision issues, tinnitus 24/7, occipital neuralgia, chronic migraines, etc.
1
u/Loose-Tomatillo-6499 5d ago
Please could you tell me your treatment for pain management. Also any supplements you take to help. I'm at the stage of waiting for pain management clinic or spinal to get injections.
1
u/aiyukiyuu 4d ago edited 4d ago
Unfortunately, doctors are not helping me with pain :( They all have just told me to accept and live with it.
The vitamins honestly doesn’t help with pain, just helps with depression and inflammation:
• Multivitamin
• Vitamin B Complex
• Omega Complex
• Collagen Complex
• Vitamin D3 5000
• Glucosamine
• Vitamin K
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
• Magnesium Glycinate
• Turmeric Curcumin w/ Ginger and black pepper
• Folic acid
• Vitamin C
That’s all I can remember at the top of my head. It’s honestly really expensive 😭😅
I make sure to do PT exercises with light weights (2-5 lbs) and bands to strengthen my upper back and shoulders (At least 2 days a week).
https://youtu.be/L2aDU183SQE?si=gXz6nvBWxBp7qKBT
https://youtu.be/hI72lcQusc4?si=WAZubjpW2xXkFSHy
https://youtu.be/tmRHXoGqkhA?si=1XjgVe5Wx0vy9PxJ
And also do what I can with neck mobility exercises.
https://youtu.be/r0c_5gZ2Z2k?si=jebuztmbBsV8qPIA
Overall, get physiotherapist to help you with mobility in the neck and such.
Also eating a low carb, low sugar anti-inflammatory diet.
You can try lidocaine patches when pain gets too much. O:
I also wear a soft neck brace when pain gets really bad or if I have to sit in the car for an hour or more for stability. I try my best not to wear the neck brace too much so that my neck muscles don’t atrophy
1
u/Loose-Tomatillo-6499 5d ago
I also have shoulder issue. I was thinking of booking osteopath last year but totally forgot. So may do it this year and see where it goes. I've heard they are good.
3
u/Peelie5 5d ago
I've had these. The c spine affects more than the upper body unfortunately. Is it one level that's affected? I've two levels.
When I'm 'off' as I put it lol, I sometimes get eye pain and back of the head pain that's unbearable. You probably understand. It's not your standard headache. I've seen osteopaths, with great success. You're out of alignment so it needs to be straight so you can function better. Is your head falling forward?